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Automotive Technician

This program provides a seamless pathway for students to obtain an Automotive Technician certificate with an optional Associate in Applied Science degree while receiving 100% paid tuition and employment at both UPS and a local automotive dealership.

Program Overview

This program provides a seamless pathway for students to obtain an Automotive Technician certificate with an optional Associate in Applied Science degree while receiving 100% paid tuition and employment at both UPS and a local automotive dealership. Students will work the day shift at UPS and attend JCTC automotive courses two-days a week. Students will also receive hands on training and additional income by working at a partner dealership one day a week for a minimum of five hours. After graduation, students have the opportunity to work for the dealership full-time as an Automotive Technician with an earning potential of $40,000-$100,000. Students will have the opportunity to continue their education to increase certification levels while working full-time as an automotive technician. To learn more about the career of an automotive technician, watch this video.

Example Schedule:

  • SUNDAY: Work at UPS 10am-4pm
  • MONDAY: Work at UPS 10am-4pm and Attend class 5pm-9pm
  • TUESDAY: Work at UPS 10am-4pm
  • WEDNESDAY: Work at UPS 10am-4pm and Attend class 5pm-9pm
  • THURSDAY: Work at UPS 10am-4pm
  • FRIDAY: Optional Work at dealership
  • SATURDAY: Work at Dealership a minimum of 5 hours

(NOTE: Students may complete on-line coursework throughout the week to obtain the Associate in Applied Science degree.)

This program is for MC students who are interested in starting the Automotive Technician program as a cohort. If you are a current MC student enrolled in the Automotive Technician program, or a recent MC graduate, and you are interested in connecting with our partner employers, please submit your information on this form: Current MC Student Employment Interest Form.

Course Offerings

This is a two and half year program at Jefferson Community and Technical College and includes fall, spring and summer enrollment.

  • YEAR 1
    • Fall Semester 1st 8 weeks: Basic Automotive Electricity & Basic Automotive Electricity Lab (5 credits)
    • Fall Semester 2nd 8 weeks: Brakes Systems and Lab (5 credits)
    • Spring Semester 1st 8 weeks: Suspension and Steering and Lab (5 credits)
    • Spring Semester 2nd 8 weeks: Electrical Systems and Electrical Systems Lab (5 credits)
    • Summer Semester 16 weeks: Engine Repair and Lab (5 credits)
    • Optional 6 credit hours of on-line General Education requirements
  • YEAR 2
    • Fall Semester 1st 8 weeks: Basic Fuel and Ignition Systems and Lab (5 credits)
    • Fall Semester 2nd 8 weeks: Emissions Systems and Lab (5 credits)
    • Spring Semester 1st 8 weeks: Climate Control and Lab (5 credits)
    • Spring Semester 2nd 8 weeks: Computer Control Systems and Diagnosis (5 credits)
    • Summer Semester 16 weeks: Automatic Transmission/Transaxle (5 credits)
    • Optional 6 credit hours of on-line General Education requirements
  • YEAR 3
    • Fall Semester 1st 16 weeks: Manual Transitions and Lab (5 credits)
    • Optional 3 credit hours of on-line General Education requirements

Program Benefits

Metropolitan College Benefits

  • 100% JCTC Tuition deferred
  • UP to $65 per course for books and software
  • Starting pay rate is $14.50 per hour. Employees, along with their spouses and dependents, receive health, dental, vision, prescription, and life insurance coverage after 9 months of employment. Employees also receive paid vacation and holidays after 1 year of employment.
  • Semester Bonuses of up to $500 (after taxes) with successful completion of 6 or more credit hours with a grade C or better.
  • Graduation Bonus of $400 (after taxes) upon completion of associate degree.
  • Customize career coaching assistance to assist with interviewing skills and clarification of career goals.

Automotive Dealership Benefits

  • Starting pay rate $12-$15 an hour
  • Minimum of 5 hours of work a week. Students can request additional hours from dealership.
  • Access to free online manufacture specific training and certifications.
  • Tools provided. Tool Purchasing programs available as you progress in the program.
  • Upon completion of program, student will be level 1 certified and have the opportunity to continue to training to be level 3 certified with an earning potential of $100,000.
  • Dealerships will work with program participants to arrange for time off occasionally on the weekends to participants can spend time with family.

Kentucky LOOP Benefits

  • Automotive MC students can be LOOP participants OR Non-LOOP participants.
  • Housing Program is open to all Kentucky residents who have confirmed and validated residency in a Kentucky county other than Jefferson, Bullitt, Oldham, Spencer, and Shelby counties.
  • Housing stipend for 36 months for Kentucky LOOP students who:
    • Work on Next Day Air (night) or Second Day Air (day) Operation
    • Enroll and attend Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC)
    • UPS will pay $325 per month to Kentucky LOOP students.
    • LOOP students choose where to live and a lease is not required to receive housing stipend.
    • Student is responsible for housing expenses that are in excess of $325/month


Enrollment Process

Complete Now:

  • Learn about the Automotive Technician Career Pathway by watching this career video.
  • Let us know that you are interested in interviewing at UPS AND the dealership by completing this form.
  • Apply to Jefferson Community and Technical College: jefferson.kctcs.edu/admissions
  • File the FAFSA at fafsa.gov with JCTC's school code: 006961

We will follow-up with you to:

  • Set up a UPS interview.
  • Set up interviews with the automotive dealerships.

Once you accept employment at UPS and your dealership, you will...

  • Sign a LOOP agreement (if applicable)
  • Participate in JCTC SOAR orientation during one of the designated sessions for auto program participants (information TBA).
  • Sign an Metro College agreement to receive tuition benefits (information TBA).

Then you are ready to...

  • Begin employment at UPS.
  • Start classes at JCTC with your program cohort August.
  • Begin work at the dealership August.